The Larnaca municipality announced on Wednesday that systematic mosquito spraying is ongoing throughout the city.
According to a statement, municipal health teams are focusing on stormwater drains and open water channels. At the same time, health teams from the health ministry are continuing door-to-door campaigns to combat the Aedes aegypti mosquito, known as the yellow fever mosquito and raise public awareness about preventive measures.
The statement comes a day after the first West Nile virus case this year has been detected in Cyprus, as authorities confirmed on Tuesday that an elderly man from Mammari village had been infected and was in critical condition.
The municipality reminded residents that even small amounts of standing water in items or spaces at homes or premises are sufficient for mosquito breeding, as the current temperatures are favourable for their proliferation.
With the onset of autumn and expected rainfall, people are advised to monitor areas and objects that can retain water, such as swimming pools that are out of use, old septic tanks not properly sealed after connecting to the sewerage bard network, construction sites, old car tyres, water storage barrels, blocked storm drains in ramps and building basements and flowerpot trays.
Attention should also be given to water tanks or containers with aquatic plants like water lilies.
Additionally, piled car tyres in outdoor spaces at garages or repair shops should be regularly removed by licensed companies. If tyres remain for a long period, they should be stored in covered areas or covered to prevent rainwater accumulation.
Residents are also urged to monitor flower vases at cemeteries, where water can remain stagnant for long periods.
“Each person is responsible for ensuring that their home or business is free of standing water that could promote mosquito breeding. The mosquito species currently present in Cyprus are capable of transmitting diseases such as yellow fever, dengue fever, zika virus, and West Nile virus,” the statement said.
For any further information or complaints, the public can contact the Larnaca municipality’s complaints office at 24816530 or the municipal health department at 24816557/559/562.